An N96 owner talks about why he don't like his new N96

[Micky]

Spotted this over on Howards Forums.

Originally Posted by skypine27 of Howards Forums

My history of "modern" phones:

N80 (liked it, sold it when N95 came out)
N95 (Original APAC model, liked it, still have it)
N95 8GB (APAC model, liked it, still have it)
IPone 8GB (did not like it, sold it)
N96 (DONT LIKE IT!)

Originally Posted by skypine27 of Howards Forums

Some quick reasons:

The keypad tones are VERY quiet. I have to set KeyPad tones to Level 3 (max) just to equal the same keypad volume of Level 1 (minimum) on both N95's

The Vibrating Alert is also VERY weak compared to both N95's

The ringer volume at max is weaker than both N95's at max (using same ringtone)

The handset volume at max when making calls is also weaker than both N95's at max.

The new txt message received alert is much quieter than both N95's (using the same alert tone). Starting to notice a trend about the volumes here....

The signal reception is worse than both N95's. I live in a spotty signal area, and both N95s got 1 to 2 bars of signal. The N96 gets either 1 bar or no signal at all in the exact same spot.

The "erase" key is in an awkward place for correcting errors when rapid fire texting.

The part that says the date and time at the top of the home screen is too small.

Nokia just HAD to change the usb port from the industry standard type to a Nokia only type. Now you are FORCED to have the Nokia USB cable to get data off your phone. The N95's both use the standard type of cable that comes with digital cameras, camcorders, etc.

The battery life is terrible, worse than than the original N95-1 I have. I started with a full charge, did NOTHING but leave the phone on for a few hours, and it already went down by one bar. By about 3 hours later, it was down by 2 bars and all I had done was send some txts, and some very light web browsing via wi-fi.

The gallery icon has been replaced with an icon of "photos", and within that, there is a menu called "Captured", "Albums", "Tags", "Downloads", and "ALL". Well, I restored my full memory card of pics and vids from my N95 8GB over to the N96, and the only place the stuff shows up is under "ALL". The trouble is, icons from installed apps (like world mate) also show up there, and you can NOT erase those. So while scrolling thru my pics, I'll see some pic of a world mate icon here and there!

Things I do like about the N96:

it looks cool (ohh boy)

The cam definitely takes better LOW light pics than the N95's did

My personal recco:

In short, do not buy one if you already have an N95 8GB. Maybe buy one if you have the original N95, simply for the bigger screen (helps when web browsing). I belive Nokia really dropped the ball on this one.

[Mr G]

I've read many more comments over at Nokia discussions and most people who don't like it have a network branded version and those who do like it have sim free versions.

[Bartmanekul]

Nokia just HAD to change the usb port from the industry standard type to a Nokia only type.

*Rants again about how people should know its set to become the standard for all mobiles*

Its like complaining from the move of SD ram to DDR SD. Or DDR2, etc.

[samperry209]

i totally agree with this chap... my n95 8gb felt alot better.... because it is...!!

i dont think ill bother with n96 then... maybe a n85 but i dont think ill even bother with that... might just wait to see what nokia announce in feb!...

Originally Posted by Bartmanekul

*Rants again about how people should know its set to become the standard for all mobiles*

Its like complaining from the move of SD ram to DDR SD. Or DDR2, etc.

if i cant find my dku-2 lead i just use my mums v3 usb cable!!... i think the point this guy was making was over connveinice that you can use most cables with n95.. but then again the n82 has the ca-101 same as n96..!!..

its a funny subject to talk about

but i see you point bart..

[dumwaldo]

Originally Posted by Bartmanekul

*Rants again about how people should know its set to become the standard for all mobiles*

Its like complaining from the move of SD ram to DDR SD. Or DDR2, etc.

Actually the 'standard' calls for the micro USB port to be a CHARGING port. The N96 uses a separate charging port so it does not adhear to the 'new standard' therefore it is just a nuisance that does not give any of the benefit of the impending standard that would allow users to carry just a single wire.

[Bartmanekul]

Thats very true. Nokia are pushing micro USB on all new models, even FP1 phones (E66, E71 etc).

Why they dont have charging via USB I dont know. Perhaps thehy only just worked out issues, hence the N85 having it and others not. We all know the N96 has been in development for quite a while, and some features look dated compared to other phones.

[maltloaf]

i had a play with one in my local three store, and while the bigger screen is nice i don't see any very big advantage over the n95 at the moment. the front seemed a bit 'exposed' and i can see it getting scratched and bashed up pretty quickly through normal use.

My upgrade is due at the start of november, and i'm very torn at the moment between a n96 and a n71. heart says n96 head says n71. I've got a month to think about it i guess

[Bartmanekul]

Id say wait. Since that leak of the E72 and the E75, I have been wondering what they could possibly add to the E71. Apart from FP2 - which they wouldnt release a whole new model phone for - I think it must be the camera.

If the E66 had a 5mp cam and decent flash, the N85 wouldnt get a look in.

So maybe nokia have finally figured the E series people want good cameras too?

[dtm]

I guess now that im due a upgrade i wont be getting a N96 then :(

[tom_moran]

Originally Posted by Bartmanekul

Thats very true. Nokia are pushing micro USB on all new models, even FP1 phones (E66, E71 etc).

Why they dont have charging via USB I dont know. Perhaps thehy only just worked out issues, hence the N85 having it and others not. We all know the N96 has been in development for quite a while, and some features look dated compared to other phones.

yeah a LONG LONG TIME, like they started developing it just after the 6120 classic and way before the n95-8gb